The Odyssey: First look at Tom Holland in costume for The Odyssey revealed

Christopher Nolan released first-look photos for his in-progress project, The Odyssey, a move that is practically a mic-drop moment for film enthusiasts. This is precisely what happened this week, generating massive excitement among fans. Our first glimpse of Tom Holland as Telemachus, son of Odysseus, played by Matt Damon, broke the internet.

Tom does not appear as a gleaming superhero in the pictures. Rather, he resembles a young man beaten up by the sea, by strain, and by great emotions. It is typical Nolan: vast worlds, yet with all genuine, human emotions.

Another effect of these photos is to remind everyone exactly how big this film is going to be. Nolan filmed numerous scenes in IMAX, literally shot on the ocean, and even constructed a giant, full-sized Trojan horse. To capture the epic scale he so desired, he used more than two million feet of film. Besides Holland, the actors starring in The Odyssey are also fantastic, including Matt Damon, Anne Hathaway, Zendaya, and others. It is set to hit theatres in July 2026.

Therefore, even though these are only a few pictures hinting at the costume details, they are sufficient to make the hype go through the roof. The excitement train already has fans on board, and with Christopher Nolan behind the camera, that will only continue to rise.

What do we know from the new images of The Odyssey

The new images from Nolan’s The Odyssey are not just depicting a costume, they are a mini-historia. Telemachus, to be portrayed by Tom Holland, is a character who appears as though he has spent days in the sun and wind. His garments are not showy; rather, they are worn, battered, and made for long travel. The layers seem ready to take on a storm, and his entire demeanor suggests that he has something to prove. We also get a glimpse of Anne Hathaway as Penelope, wife of Odysseus.

There is nothing flashy about the outfits. It is very typical of Nolan to have his actors dress the part in a manner that is real, lived-in, and influenced by a harsh world, not just something created with the sole purpose of looking good on the screen. This is significant, as it implies that The Odyssey will not only be about big spectacles but will also center on the gritty reality of Homer’s story.

To fans, that is exciting in two ways. One: Holland is offered a part with real emotional foundation and a high degree of closeness to Nolan’s version of Odysseus. Two: the images suggest a film concerned with minor, naturalistic details. The ragged edges, battered footwear, and worn cloak all render Telemachus relatable and human. You may trust that he has a life before the time we see him, and that he has a life after it.

Christopher Nolan’s real, grounded approach to the myth

A first-look image is not just a celebrity picture; for a movie as grand as this, it is a clever method of early storytelling. Nolan’s The Odyssey is not an ordinary movie about Greek mythology. He shot scenes in actual locations, as far out as the open water, and used IMAX cameras to record the enormous scale. The crew is also said to have shot so much footage to ensure they captured every moment.

In a conversation with Empire Magazine, Christopher Nolan stated:

“As a filmmaker, you’re looking for gaps in cinematic culture, things that haven’t been done before. And what I saw is that all of this great mythological cinematic work that I had grown up with – Ray Harryhausen movies and other things – I’d never seen that done with the sort of weight and credibility that an A-budget and a big Hollywood, IMAX production could do.”

Publishing a costume photo today is a smart move. It appeases curious fans, establishes the tone and style of the movie, and indicates that the team feels quite positive about the way The Odyssey is coming together.

It also alters audience expectations. Rather than focusing solely on huge VFX scenes or a single massive action episode, the images emphasize character and world-building. This suggests that Nolan’s version of The Odyssey will be more authentic and engaging. The film will feature real seas, real weather, and actors responding to the environment rather than relying entirely on CGI.

For Tom Holland, it implies that his performance as Telemachus in The Odyssey can be more subtle and heartfelt, despite being part of a huge, epic film.